Cardinal O'Malley disciplines CEO of Catholic hospital

Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston has issued “a stern reprimand and warning” to Dr. Robert Haddad, president and CEO of Caritas Christi, after receiving reports that Haddad had engaged in inappropriate conduct, consisting of kissing or hugging of employees.

The cardinal also issued a directive that Haddad participate in sexual harassment sensitivity training. Haddad was advised that any retaliatory action or any future credible complaints such as these would result in his immediate termination.

Cardinal O’Malley was first notified in late April of complaints regarding inappropriate conduct that had been made by two female employees at Caritas Christi. This conduct was alleged to have occurred on hospital property in public and in private.

According to a statement issued by the Archdiocese of Boston, “Cardinal O'Malley took these allegations extremely seriously and sought to resolve them as expeditiously as possible, in a manner that is fair to all involved parties.”

The cardinal consulted with legal counsel and Caritas Christi officials. An independent outside investigator was hired to investigate the complaints. In the course of the investigation, two other women also reported that they had experienced similar conduct by Haddad. The identity of the women who brought these allegations has not been shared with Haddad.

The statement says Haddad gave the cardinal his assurance that such behavior would not occur again. He also said he did not intend to offend anyone by his actions.

The Caritas Christi Board of Governors voted unanimously (with one member abstaining) Thursday to accept the cardinal's disciplinary plan.

The outside investigator is in the process of making direct outreach to the women who brought these complaints forward, to assure them that their complaints were investigated thoroughly and that the sanctions imposed were in line with recommendations of outside labor experts.

The statement says the cardinal and the hospital’s Board of Governors are “extremely serious” about hearing of any future inappropriate behavior or retaliation.

“Cardinal Sean O'Malley and the Caritas Christi Board of Governors reiterate their commitment to providing a working environment free from sexual harassment,” says the statement.